How we work out: Fleet Feet running

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

Runners meet at Fleet Feet Sports Baltimore on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The group is organzied by store owners Bobby and Karen Levein (second from left, front row, and second from right, front row, respectively).

Runners meet at Fleet Feet Sports Baltimore on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The group is organzied by store owners Bobby and Karen Levein (second from left, front row, and second from right, front row, respectively). (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

Catherine Mallette, The Baltimore Sun

Twice a week, neither rain nor snow nor lame excuses will keep the folks in the Fleet Feet fun run group in Pikesville from donning their training shoes and getting in some good exercise.

Who they are: Runners of all ages and levels of ability. The group came together in 2003 with just five committed members. Now, on some nights, Levin says the numbers can swell to more than 60.

What they do: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m., the group assembles in the Fleet Feet Sports store. Karen Levin, owner of the shop, explains that they travel in pace groups so no runner is left behind.

Why they do it: Tanya Whitehurst-Allen, 50, who has been with the group for four years, cites the "camraderie, fun and commitment" as reasons she shows up. She says avid runners will find support whether their goal is a 5K, half-marathon or marathon. She's also a group leader for a six-month, half-marathon, run/walk training program Fleet Feet offers, which meets on Saturday mornings. "I believe life is good," she says, "and I like sharing my happiness with others through running." For Dr. Mark Goldstein, 52, the initial goal in joining the group five years ago was to get in better shape. He admits that if he weren't with an organized group, he might not keep up with running. "To date," he says, "I have done one marathon and about nine half-marathons."

If you'd like to join: Show up a little early for a 6 p.m. Tuesday or Thursday run so group leaders can place you in the best pace group. Fleet Feet Sports Baltimore is at 1809 Reisterstown Road, #149, Pikesville. Call 410-484-6565 or go to fleetfeetbaltimore.com for more info.

If you have a group that meets regularly to exercise, tell us about it so we can feature you in our Health & Style pages. We'll want basic information about your group (how often you meet, number of people in the group, what you do and why you do it), as well as a photo if you have one. Send to cmallette@baltsun.com or Catherine Mallette, Features, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert St. 21201.